Crossing Through the Place

Washington Crossing Travel Blog

I decided to take a day trip to Washington Crossing Historic Park. I have been there a few times before, including some of those times on Christmas Day, for the reenactment. More about that in an earlier entry in this blog, the 3rd one titled "Washington Crossing on Christmas Day". This visit, I wanted to see more of the park, and get to see the sites on it, which are closed on Christmas Day.

This was the place where George Washington would lead the Continential Army across the Delaware River, to launch a sneak attack against the Hessian troops in Trenton. This led to the Battle of Trenton on Christmas Night in 1776. The Hessians referred to the German soldiers, who were allies with the British during the American War of Independence. Or more commonly known as the Revolutionary War. The Hessians were caught completely off guard, and got defeated by the Continential Army.

tavern in McConkey's Ferry Inn

And gave the Americans more confidence, as this was their first victory in the war.

Arriving at the park, I would go inside the visitor center, which has been renovated recently. I would join a guided tour, led by a tour guide named David, and accompanied by a colonial soldier. We were taken to different spots in the Lower part of the park, including the Durham Boat House and the McConkey's Ferry Inn, plus got background on the crossing and the park itself.

The Durham Boat House is where the boats are stored, which are used for the reenactment on Christmas Day. And the McConkey's Ferry Inn is a former tavern and inn, where George Washington may have stayed before the crossing. Dating back to the 18th century, there has been additions made to the place over the years.

After touring the McConkey's Ferry Inn, I went back to the visitor center, to see the short film.

replica of painting of Washington Crossing the Delaware

Then toured the Exhibits Gallery, which was a small museum in the visitor center. Then back out, to see the row of flags, including 13 state flags. I am sure someone could figure out the meaning behind that. ;) Then walked around the Lower part, as this place was originally known as Taylorsville. There were some old buildings that still stood, but they were not open to the public.

After walking through the area, I was not sure what to do next. But then decided to visit the Upper part of the park, which I have never visited before. And had to drive to get there, which was quite a distance. I did get confused along the way, but was able to get to the Upper part, starting with Bowman's Hill Tower.

A tall stone tower, built in 1931 to commemorate the American Revolution, I went up the steps to the top, for view of the surrounding area, of Bucks County.

original part of Thompson-Neely House

The views were okay, but nothing really special. Then went back downstairs, and continued on, to the Thompson-Neely House. Only way to get there, was by car.

I arrived there, and took the house tour of the place. I was the only person on the guided tour, led by Katherine. The Thompson-Neely House were originally a duplex. There was one original part, that dated back to 1702. And more parts got added throughout the 18th century, and served as a hospital during the war. Some notable patients that got treated and stayed there, included William Washington (cousin of George) and James Monroe (who would later become President). The house was once owned by Robert Thompson, and later on by his son-in-law, William Neely. Hence the name.

After touring the house, I went to see the Soldiers' Graves, which is a site of a mass grave from the American Revolution.

Soldiers' Grave

Then went to drive around the Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve. By then, I was hungry and worn out. So I went through it quickly, and headed back towards home.

It was a good way to spend a day, and luckily, I was able to see the place before it started to rain really hard. And finally got to see the Upper half.

My thoughts about the sites, as well as more about visiting this place and more photos, in the review here.